Q: Do I need to have a background in education to become a tutor?
A: No. We welcome people from all backgrounds. Here are our standards for becoming a tutor:
- Able to read, write, and speak English.
- Hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Display an enthusiasm for reading.
- Willing to attend a tutor-training workshop and be open-minded in accepting new teaching concepts.
- Able to fulfill commitment to tutor training and make a commitment to tutor for one year.
- Keep a record of tutoring sessions and submit monthly hours reports.
- Maintain confidentiality.
Q: What if I can’t attend all the Tutor Training sessions?
A: When you register, or if something comes up after the sessions have started, let us know of your conflict. We can give you access to watch a recording of the session that corresponds to the one(s) you will miss.
Q: How do you pair me with a student?
A: We pair tutors and students primarily using the information they provide regarding schedule availability and tutoring preferences (e.g., in-person or online; preferred locations). We also consider tutor and student interests/hobbies.
Q: Where and when do I meet with my student?
A: Our tutors and students meet at a variety of public locations, such as public libraries, local cafés, or community centers. LVSCT also has two classroom areas that tutors can reserve to meet with their students. You and your student will coordinate to decide on where and when you will meet. If you have trouble finding a suitable place and/or time to meet, you can contact us to discuss possible alternatives.
Q: What if I am sick or going on vacation and need to cancel a session with my student?
A: Contact your student directly as soon as you know you must cancel or reschedule a session.
Q: Is there any additional training I can take after I’ve tutored for a while?
A: Yes, we have occasional in-service training and roundtable sessions for active tutors. Additionally, as a member of ProLiteracy, LVSCT tutors can access numerous free online courses and webinars. We also encourage tutors to attend outside courses.
Q: Can I receive mentoring?
A: At your request, we will assign you a senior tutor to shadow. You will observe this experienced tutor during an actual teaching session with their student. The senior tutor will be able to answer questions for you, give you some tips if you hit a rough spot, and suggest various ways of solving any problems you should have. We want to do everything we can to help you feel prepared before you receive your first student.
Q: What if I find that my personal situation changes and I need to stop tutoring for a few months?
A: First, talk it over with your student. Explain that you’ll need to stop tutoring for a while and determine if the student wants to wait for you to return or would prefer to be re-assigned to another tutor. Then let the LVSCT office know so that we can make appropriate arrangements. When you’re ready to resume tutoring, call us.
Q: Can I get some help selecting appropriate texts and workbooks for my student?
A: Yes. Our Program Coordinator, Executive Director and tutor trainers are available to assist you to determine appropriate reading texts and workbooks.
Q: What if I find that my student and I don’t make good partners?
A: This rarely happens but, if it does, let the LVSCT office know and we will find a new tutor for your student and work on finding you another student.
Q: I support your program but don’t have an interest in tutoring right now. How else can I help?
A: We have other opportunities to support LVSCT that do not involve direct tutoring of students. Just call the office at 203-878-4800 and talk to us about it.